Ara | Te Pūkenga-trained chef takes final spot for Australasian Young chef award - again

A return to the kitchens where she trained has landed a young Christchurch chef a spot in a prestigious competition. 

Joosje Bouman achieved her advanced New Zealand Diploma (Level 5) in 2020 and is now working as sous chef at Kaiser Brew Garden in Christchurch’s Riverside complex. 

But late last week she was back at Ara in a tense cook-off against two other South Island finalists to secure a spot at the Nestle Golden Chef awards in Sydney next month. The event, dedicated to the development of young chefs since 1965, has prize money of $25,000. 

It was Bouman’s second attempt at the competition, which was won overall last year by another Ara graduate, Gabby Saunders. 

“On the day I was really nervous,” Bouman said of the regional event. “But from the moment I started the judges were really awesome and encouraging. They said my flavour combinations were strong and that’s what set me apart, so I was really pleased!” 

“The other competitors were tough to go up against. They both had great skills and technique and put up amazing dishes too. It’s very unusual for young chefs to have the opportunity to do competitions and menu design in this way so it really has been a great experience.” 

Bouman said she wanted the colours to “pop” in her panko-crusted pork loin main with kumara puree, couscous and asparagus salad and a strawberry and kiwifruit jus.

Her dessert was a pavlova roulade with Nestlé French vanilla mousse, infused with Nescafé Gold coffee, walnut crumb and fresh fruit. 

“It was actually the first time I’d ever made a pavlova. I thought the roulade could be cool because I’ve seen so many of them in photos. The vanilla mousse and added coffee made it really yummy.” 

At the Sydney grand finale, Bouman will be one of twelve young chefs to prepare a three-course meal of entrée, main and dessert in just three and half hours.  

She said ideas were already bouncing around in her head and, after a warm invitation from her former tutors, she was planning to get some training in. 

“It was really fun being back at Ara and seeing familiar faces – and now they’re offering to help coach me as I prepare for the finals so I’m really happy about that,” she said. 

Ara | Te Pūkenga Head of Cookery and Bakery Ryan Marshall said it was great to be part of Bouman’s journey. “This is a well-run and highly acclaimed competition which has only been open to New Zealand entrants since 2020. We’re thrilled Joosje is adding to our record of success, and we look forward to seeing her compete across the Tasman.” 

The final will take place on 11 and 12 September in the ACF Culinary Challenge Arena at Fine Food Australia, held at the ICC in Sydney.  

But in the meantime, it’s straight back to the kitchen for Bouman at the Kaiser Brew Garden, doing what she loves.   

“I just don’t think I could do anything else. I love working at night and in an environment that is stressful, fast-paced and busy because of the adrenaline rush that goes with it.